“The Duchess is a committed supporter of children’s hospices & showed great knowledge about our vital work supporting children with life-limiting conditions & their families. She took the time to speak to families, volunteers & staff to learn more about the impact of our work & the wider palliative care network.”

Louise, mum of Shaney and Chesney, said: “Kate was so sweet, absolutely lovely and she really puts you at ease because obviously you are a little tense to meet someone so important. She was down to earth but had a real aura about her.”

“She asked me about my boys and how we use Shooting Star CHASE and I told her how they like messy play. She said she has just introduced George to messy play and what fun it was.”

The Duchess also met volunteers who help out at the hospice. She plans to launch a new initiative to encourage more people to volunteer in hospices.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: “The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry is currently developing a pilot for a volunteering programme to support families of children with life-limiting conditions. “A key component of today’s visit is for The Duchess to meet a group of Shooting Stars volunteers, to better understand how they support the hospice and its families.”

The Delaney showcases that fit and flare silhouette Kate is so fond of, in the clean, tailored lines she likes. The piece is constructed with multiple gores, elbow darts, and that little extra something, a flourish we frequently see with the Duchess: in this case it is the triangular point of interest in the center back. There are also slit pockets on the front. Reiss describes the color as cool grey, and the garment is a mix of wool and polyamide with a rayon lining.

We also saw a new pendant on the Duchess today, this is another piece we’re still trying to ID properly. Kate wore her green amethyst earrings from Kiki McDonough.

PA Wire/Al Coro/Kiki McDonough

Here is another look at the necklace.

SplashNews.com

Kate was sporting a new pair of booties from an old favorite: Aquatalia. Only available at Russell & Bromley, the style is called the New Dry. The booties are made of weather-resistant suede and lined with faux fur for warmth; they also have a wedge heel and platform, so perhaps they are not as high as one might think.

Kate chose to spend her 2nd wedding anniversary working, below you see the Duchess being greeted by Sally, who is 8. Sally presented Kate with a lovely bouquet of flowers, she has spinal atrophy and receives care at Naomi House.